Cubs RHP Edwin Jackson goes to wrong spring training park

Chicago Cubs' Blake Parker works against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning of a spring training exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 24, 2015, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Ben Margot

March 24, 2015

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Edwin Jackson might have had a better day if he never found his way to work.

The Cubs right-hander was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday when he went to the wrong ballpark, then gave up eight runs when he finally found the right mound in Chicago's 14-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

Jackson said he entered `Oakland Athletics spring training complex' into his Google Maps app on his phone and it directed him to Phoenix Muni, which is across the street from the Phoenix Zoo. The A's now play at HoHoKam Stadium, the Cubs' former spring training home.

The Cubs' current complex is less than 5 miles away.

''It was my fault for not looking to see where it was,'' said Jackson, who arrived in time to see Cubs prospect Kris Bryant hit his ninth Cactus League homer in the third inning. ''I've had positive outings throughout the spring, except this one.''

Jackson said getting to the park late had no effect on his pitching.

''I was already dressed and got here in time to get ready, but they didn't want me to rush things,'' he said. ''I came to the stadium with the mindset of being ready. It was a crazy way to start the day.''

Blake Parker made the emergency start and gave up a two-run homer to Billy Butler.

Jackson entered in the second inning and allowed nine hits - six for extra bases - and eight runs in 1 2-3 innings.

Stephen Vogt also had a two-run shot for Oakland.

''They hit the ball whether it was a good pitch or not,'' Jackson said. ''They did a lot of damage with two outs. They found all the gaps.''

Barry Zito, returning to baseball following a year's absence, extended his scoreless innings streak to 11, allowing one hit in four innings. He walked three and struck out two, lowering his ERA to 2.30.

''I can only control how I throw the ball,'' Zito said. ''I got up to 65 pitches today. I hit the mark.''

ZEROS FOR ZITO

Zito keeps things simple. Make pitches, keep walks to a minimum and continue to compete.

''When I make my pitches, things have gone OK,'' he said after his third straight scoreless outing. ''I felt pretty but I don't want to be walking guys like that. I threw an errant pitch here and there but that sequence was pretty good.''

A's manager Bob Melvin continues to marvel at Zito's return.

''It's a blowout game, he's pitching to guys with large numbers on their back and he still makes every pitch. He continues to get outs. It's impressive to see.''

COOK SENT TO MINORS

Former All-Star closer Ryan Cook was optioned to Triple-A Nashville after the game. He had appeared in five games, allowing 13 runs over 5 1-3 innings.

''The timing of it is to get him down there and get things worked out,'' Melvin said. ''We expect him to be back. He's too good, too talented not to pitch here.''

STARTING TIME

Athletics: Drew Pomeranz allowed two runs on three hits over 2 2-3 innings. He walked four and struck out four. Pomeranz said his right hip tightened up on him during warmups and he was never able to get it right. He said it's happened in the past, and only in spring training. ''It shouldn't be something that's sore past today,'' he said. ''I check it every day. I'm used to dealing with it. It's just a pain. I want to have good results. I don't want to leave any doubt.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Cubs: SS Starlin Castro (tight right groin) had the day off but was expected to return to action on Wednesday. ... RHP Kyle Hendricks threw five scoreless innings in a `B' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday. He allowed one hit. ... LHP Jon Lester (tired arm) will make a minor league start in Thursday.

Athletics: OF Coco Crisp was scratched from the starting lineup with soreness in his left elbow and received a cortisone shot. He's expected to miss two to three days. ''The goal is to get him healthy by the start of the season,'' Melvin said. ... OF Josh Reddick (right oblique strain) is moving closer to returning to action and could be in the lineup sometime this weekend.

UP NEXT

Cubs: LHP Travis Wood will pitch when Chicago travels to Peoria to take on the Seattle Mariners.